Kitchen counters have a way of collecting things you never intended to leave there. Your everyday masalas, oil bottles, tea and sugar jars, dishwashing liquid and that one mug nobody seems to put back in the cupboard can quickly take over the little workspace you have. The bathroom counter is not much better, with skincare bottles, handwash and hair accessories competing for space.One DIY idea offers a simple way to gather some of that clutter without buying another expensive organiser. Shared by YouTube creator Loli Ds Creations, this project turns a basic metal pizza pan and a hanging wire planter basket into a raised countertop tray. It is a small home improvement project that relies on everyday objects rather than a purpose-built storage unit.
How a pizza pan becomes a countertop organiser
The idea is straightforward. The organizer is made from an inverted wire hanging basket for the bottom and a round pizza pan for the top. When assembled, the pan sits above the counter, giving you a dedicated surface to keep frequently used items together. The original design uses a 12-inch tin pizza pan and a 10-inch hanging wire basket, along with pliers, adhesive and spray paint.The appeal lies partly in the contrast between the two materials. The flat metal pan gives the organiser a clean, simple finish, while the wire base adds a slightly industrial look. Paint both pieces to match, or keep the base black and give the top a colour that works with your kitchen or bathroom.For Indian homes, where counter space can be limited, the idea can be adapted to suit the area available. A smaller pan may work better beside the kitchen sink, while a wider one could sit on a breakfast counter or bathroom vanity. Just remember that the finished organiser needs enough room around it for everyday tasks.
What you need to make it
Image Credits: YouTube/Loli Ds Creations
You will need a metal pizza pan, a hanging wire planter basket, pliers, an adhesive suitable for bonding the two materials and spray paint formulated for metal. These supplies can be sourced from local hardware shops, gardening stores, home improvement outlets or online marketplaces. Check the dimensions before buying, since the pan needs to sit securely on the base.You don’t have to buy everything new. If you have an extra pizza pan or a wire basket from another project, they might work too, as long as they’re both in good shape. The total cost will depend on how big the pieces are and whether you already have the tools and paint at home.
How to make the countertop storage tray
1. Setting up the wire basket: Using the pliers, remove the chains and hooks from the hanging planter basket. Leave the basket where it is; it will hold up the tray. Make sure the wires are not bent or loose and that the basket sits level when inverted.2. Clean the pizza pan: Remove the sticker, all the sticky gunk, and wash and dry the pan well. Lightly scuff the surface if the paint manufacturer’s instructions say to. A clean, dry surface will help the finish adhere more evenly.3. Paint the pan: Use a metallic spray paint, following the directions on the label. Depending on the room, you could choose matte black, white, muted green or a warm metallic. If you want a pattern finish let the base coat dry and then use stencils. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Protect the surrounding surface. Let the paint dry and cure for the time specified by the manufacturer.4. Attach the base: Flip the wire basket upside down, then place the pizza pan in the center. Apply adhesive suitable for use on both metal surfaces per manufacturer’s instructions for application and cure. Do not assume ordinary super glue will provide a reliable bond under every condition. Once assembled, leave the organiser undisturbed for the recommended time.5. Stability Test: Place the tray on a flat counter and check to see if it wobbles or tilts. Use it regularly, but start with some light items. The original project does not specify a tested weight limit, so avoid loading it with heavy jars, glass bottles or breakable objects.
Where can you use it at home
Image Credits: YouTube/Loli Ds Creations
In the kitchen the tray could hold light-weight tea and coffee containers, frequently used spice jars or small packets of seasoning. It can also group items such as salt, pepper and toothpicks on a dining table, or keep sachets and condiments together near a breakfast counter.It can organise toiletries and other daily essentials in the bathroom. On a dressing table, it can hold perfume bottles, hair accessories or jewellery boxes. You could also use it as a decorative base for a small artificial plant and a candle, as the original creator did.There are a few limitations to keep in mind. The tray does not need to be waterproof and the paint and adhesive are not known to be food safe. Use it to store packaged ingredients or other household items, but not food directly on the painted surface. Keep it away from direct heat and prolonged splashes, and wipe it dry if it gets wet.The best part of this DIY is that it can be customised to fit your home rather than the other way around. A pizza pan may not be the first thing you think of when shopping for storage, but paired with a wire basket, it can become a useful little landing spot for the things that otherwise have nowhere to go.
